An edition of St. Angela Merici, and the Ursulines
(1880)
St. Angela Merici, and the Ursulines
by O'Reilly, Bernard
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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
ARCHIEPISCOPAL APPROBATION iii
DEDICATION v
AUTHOR'S PREFACE. vii
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY : SUPERNATURAL ATMOSPHERE OF ITALIAN HOMELIFE IN THE FIFTEENTH AND SIXTEENTH CENTURIES.
Supernatural Sanctity, how Prevalent among all Classes of Italian Society 1-2
Italian Saints contemporary with the Parents of Angela Merici 8
Living Saints of Upper Italy about 1474 4
B. Caterina da Palanza 4
B. Maddalena Panatieri 4
St. Cajetan of Tiene and his Mother 4
St. Jerome Emiliani 5
B. Margaret of Ravenna 6
Influence of Women in Cultivating this Abundant Growth of Sanctity 7
Saints Laving in 1540, at the Date of Angela Merici's death 7, 8
In Rome, Ignatios Loyola, Francis Xavier, Philip Neri ; elsewhere, Charles Borromeo, Michael Ghisleri (St. Pius V.), Francis Borgia, St. Gamillo de Lellls, St. Felix Cantalici, St. Andrew Avellino, BB. Paul of Arezso, Alexander Sauli, and Benedict Filadelf 8, 9
Uncanonized Saints ; how numerous 9, 10
Saintly Personages not the Rare and Gigantic Flowers of Equatorial Regions ; but the Sweet and Modest Flowers wiiich Thrive in every Land 10, 11
Angela Merici and her Sister's early Virtues as Compared with some Holy Contemporaries 12
St. Veronica of Milan and her Parents ; a Poor Peasant Family 12-14
Their Ideal of Christian Holiness as Familiar to the People of Upper Italy, as the Way of Cultivating the Vine 16
The noble Catharine Fieschi-Adorno of Genoa ; her Married Life ; her Life in the Cloister ; her beautiful Writings 15-19
The Transforming Love of Christ Crucified in St. Ignatius, St. Francis Xavier, St. Francis of Assisi 20-23
The last named Saint and the Stigmata ; the Fire and Light which Enwrapped Monte Alvernia 23
This Sacred Fire Burning Brightly at the Birth of Angela Merici 25-27
CHAPTER II.
BIRTH AND PARENTAGE OF ANGELA MERICI.
The Lake of Garda and the town of Desensano 29
The Merici and Biancosi 30
Spiritual Influences Surrounding the Home of the Merici 31, 32
The Observantines of St. Francis 33
The Merici, Ardent Admirers of Heroic Sanctity 33
Uncommon Pains taken by Angela's Parents to Cultivate the Love of Heroic Piety in their Children 33
Nightly Reading In common of the Lives of the Saints 33
Angela's Early Admiration of these Heroic Men and Women 34
Her Early Efforts at Imitation of Them 84
Her Beauty in Childhood ; her Generosity, Wisdom, and Self-control 34
How she Resented being Complimented on her Beautiful Hair 35
Her Parents Encourage while Controlling the Ascetic Fervor of Angela and her Sister 36, 37
A Happy and Blessed Home 37, 38
CHAPTER III.
ANGELA'S FIRST BITER TRIALS.
Why her First Communion was Delayed; Concourse of Circumstances which were Unfavorable to Frequent Communion and Confession in the Italy of three Days 39, 40
Divine Economy of the Eucharitstic Sacrament and Sacrifice 41
Angela's Merici's Intense Happiness at the Table of the Lamb 43
Growth of Angela in Spiritual Loveliness ; the Bright and Pure Atmosphere of her Home ; Precautions taken to Shield the Soul of Girlhood from the Knowledge Evil 48
Angela's Early Vow of Virginity not the Result of Temptation; but Inspired by The Love of Perfection 41, 45
She Loses her Father in her Fifteenth Year 46
She Devotes herself to her Widowed Mother 47
Her Sister becomes her Guide in Spirituality 47
Their Pious Remembrance of their Father's Soul 48
Her sister Dies Suddenly within the Year after her Father's Death 60
How both Girls had Grown in Supernatural Perfection during these years: the Mystery of Life in the natural and supernatural Worlds 52, 53
Vision in which Angela beholds her Deceased Sister among the Blessed ; She is Bidden to Persevere in the Better Way 54
Effect of such Miraculous Visions on Chosen Souls like Angela's 65
CHAPTER IV.
UTTER DESOLATION.
The vision sent to Angela probably helped to Prepare her Mother for Death 57
Signora Merici Sickens and Dies in less than a year after her daughter 58
Secret Purpose of Providence in these trials 59
The Girl of Seventeen and her Brother taken to Said by their Uncle Biancosi 50
Magnificent Situation of Said ; Foichanting Scenery of the Lake Shore Northward of Salo. 61, 52
Interior Trials which assail Angela at this Period ; she and her Brother Resolve to lead the Life of Hermits in the mountains 63-55
They Leave Salo Secretly ; but are Brought Back 67
Angela even then Popularly Designated as "a Little Saint from Paradise;" the two Orphans held up by Parents as models for all Children 69
Angela Loses her Brother in her Twenty-second Year 69
CHAPTER V.
BACK IN THE OLD HOME.
She Is Welcomed by her Townspeople and finds a Companion, who takes her Sister's place 79
The Process by which God perfects Chosen Goals in detachment from all things 73
She Loses her Adopted Sister 78
Young Persons of her own Age drawn to Angela 73
The Vision at Brudazzo, in which Angela beholds a Company of Saintly Virgins ; and is Commanded to Found one like it in Brescia 75,76
Increase of Fervor caused by this Second Vision 77
To become a frequent Communicant she Joins the Tertiary Order of St. Francis 77
Angela Merici may be justly called the Seraph of Christian Schools 77
Why St. Francis of Assisi is called the "Seraphic." 77
Protestant Testimony to the (ienuineness of his Seraphic Spirit 78
A Pregnant Lesson for all the Christian Men of To-day 78
CHAPTER VI.
THE PATERNAL HOME OF DESENZANO CONTINUES TO BE ANGELA'S SCHOOL.
How Angela Spent Seventeen Years in the Home of her Childhood 79
Grateful Testimony borne by her Fellow-Citizens 79
Her House a School for Young and Old 80
Imperious Circumstances which rendered Impracticable the Founding of a New Order in Brescia 81
Her Saintly Influence over her Young Countrywomen 83
Why Angela could not in Desensano open a School for Children like Our Schools of To-day 83
Printing was then only in its Infancy 83
What High and Low learned in Angela's School 83
The Noble Family of the Patengoli from Brescia cultivate Angela's acquaintance 83
They desire to have her Reside in Brescia 84
Situation of Brescia ; Its History 85
Occupied by the French in 1513 85
Horrible Butchery of 32,000 Brescians by the French, under Gaston de Foix 86
The ruined City restored to Venice in 1516 80
Jerome Patengoli Loses suddenly his two Children 86
Angela Merici sent to Brescia by her Superiors 87
Her Delight in Visiting the Venerable Churches of the City 88
Her active Charity 88
The Ruinous Condition of Brescia forbida her thinking of Founding her Society 89
She is offered a Home by Antonio dei Romani 89
She visits the Tomb of B. Osanna Andreasi in Milan 90
Is Welcomed at Solferino by the Gonzagas 90
State of Upper Italy in 1522 92
Angela feels Impelled to Visit Jerusalem 93
Qeneroos Proviaion made by Venice for Pilgrims to the Holy Land 93
CHAPTER VII.
LIGHT IN DARKNESS.
Founders of Religions Orders the passionate lovers of Christ Crucified 94
Ignatius Loyola a Pilgrim to Jerusalem in 1523 95
Angela Embarks for Palestine in May, 1524 97
She is suddenly struck Blind on the Way 97
Insists on Continuing her journey 97
Her Raptures in Jerusalem and Bethlehem 98
Memories which Enlighten her in Christ's Birth-place 100
St Jerome, St. Paula, and her daughter Eustochium 101
CHAPTER VIII.
THE LIGHT INCREASING.
Return from Jerusalem through Rama. 104
Angela recovers her Eyesight Miraculously 108
Dangers from Storms and Pirates 108, 100
Angela esteemed, under God, the Pilgrims' Preserver 100
Admiration of the Venetians for her 111
She Escapes secretly from the City 112
CHAPTER IX.
WAITING AND WORKING.
Angela warmly Welcomed by the Brescians 118
Key Obstacles to Angela's Designs 114, 115
She goes to Borne for tUe Jubilee of 1525 116
Explains her Vision to Pope Clement VII 118
Returns to Brescia 118
War-Clouds over Borne and Italy 119, 120
CHAPTER X.
INSUPERABLE OBSTACLES.
Charles V. and Francis I. distract and devastate Upper Italy 121
Brescia Paralyzed ; Religious Improvement impossible 122
Angela's Self-Crucifixion amid these Calamities 128-126
She is more than ever the Guide and Comforter of all Classes 127
The Duke of Milan takes her for his Spiritual Guide 128
Angela is obliged to take Refuge in Cremona 129
She becomes the Public Comforter there 130, 131
Vigorous Intellectual and Moral Life of Upper Italy in those Days 132, 133
Angela taken III and at Death's Door 135
Her sudden Restoration to Perfect Health 136
She makes a Pilgrimage to the Sacred Hill of Varallo 137
Sudden Cessation of Hostilities 138
CHAPTER XI.
THE FOUNDATIONS AT LAST.
Vision of St. Ursula and her Companions 140
Delays enjoined on Angela by her Confessor 142
The first Twelve Ursulines 148
The high Aim Angela set before her Companions 144
Second Pilgrimage to Varallo 145
The Duke of Milan would have them stay in his Capital 146
Angela fixes her Abode near the Church of St. Afra. 147
Increase of the Associates 150
Why Angela sought the Aid of noble Widow Ladies 151
How timely this Organisation was for Italy 152
How Nature repairs Wounds and Losses in Tree and Flower ; and how God repairs them in His Church 153, 154
Reforms by renovated Home-life and Education 155, 156
CHAPTER XII.
WHY ANGELA CALLED HER SISTERHOOD "THE COMPANY OF ST. URSULA."
The Legends concerning St. Ursula and her Band of Virgin-Martyrs 157
The simple Historical Facts 158
The Popular Legends in Upper Italy 159
St Ursula and the Venetian Painters 160
St. Ursula accepted as Patron Saint by the great Universities of Christendom 161
Another Vision in which Angela is urged to hasten her Work. 163
The Company of St. Ursula formally inaugurated 168
First Inauguration of the Society of Jesus. 164
Fundamental Conception of an Ursuline's Life 165
Why Angela did not wish to Oblige her Maiden Sisters to make Religious Vows 166
She excludes no Class of the Deserving 167
Simple Dress of the Sisters 167
Their Charity and Humility 167
The wide Interest taken In them 168
The word "Company" suggestive of a Militant Life 169
The two Great Armies who contended for Souls in the Italy of the Sixteenth Century 169
Outlines of Angela's Organization 170
How the Spirit of God directs Holy Men and Women 171-174
The Nineteenth Century like the Sixteenth 174, 175
CHAPTER XIII.
ANGELA'S WORK — THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE COMPANY OF ST. URSULA.
Her Self-Crucifixion while drawing up the Constitutions of the Company 176
The Cardinal-Bishop of Brescia approves them 179
Angela is unanimously elected Superior-General 181
Election of the other Officers 182
The Spiritual Directors of the new Company 188
Was the Education of Young Girls the main purpose of Angela? 185
Testimony of the Holy See to the First Apostle of Female Education 185-187
Testimony of St. Charles Borromeo 188
Brief Mention of Education in the Constitutions 189
Angela wished to Educate in the Bosom of each Family 190
Her Main Purpose to be Directed by Providence 191
CHAPTER XIV.
THE LAST LABORS AND TRIALS — MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNSELS — THE STRONG WOMAN SETTING HER HOUSE IN ORDER.
Delay In Obtaining the Approbation of the Holy See 193
Opposition in Brescia to the Secular Dress of the Sisters 195
Angela's Persistence in Prayer and Austerities 197
Beginning of her Last Illness 199
She appoints a Mother-Vicar 199
Dictates her Ricordi and her spiritual "Testament" 199
Summons the Lady-Counselors to hear the Ricordi read 200
Admirable Counsels of the Dying Saint 201-213
CHAPTER XV.
THE GATES AJAR — LOVE STRONG IN DEATH — THE PILGRIM AT REST.
The Spectacle presented by the Sick-room at St. Afra's 214
The disheartening Circumstances which color Angela's last Counsels to her Daughters 215
The Motherly Tenderness she enjoins toward her Sisters 217
Virtues which these are to Practice 219
They are to Cherish above all Things the Honor of their Divine Spouse 219
Ever-present Aid promised to them in Christ's Name. 219
Angela sits up in h xr bed to repeat the "last Reminder" 220
Deep Impression made on all Present 220,231
Consternation in Brescia 222
Her last Words to a few noble Friends 223
Her scrupulous Care to prepare herself for Burial 224
She receives the Last Sacraments 225
Her angelic Devotion 226, 227
Angela Merici's Mission 228
CHAPTER XVI.
A SAINT'S TESTAMENT AND LEGACIES — A PEOPLE'S GRATITUDE AND VENERATION — INCORRUPTION LASTING THROUGH CENTURIES.
Angela's "Testament and Legacies" to her Daughters 280-240
Instructive Veneration of the Sanctity by the Catholic Heart 240,241
Extraordinary Affluence from City and Country 242
All proclaim her "Blessed" 243
Delay in her Burial 248
Veneration in all Ages for the Remains of the Saintly Dead 244
The Delay of Thirty Days most Providential 245
Prodigious Concourse of Pilgrims, and other Prodigies 245
The Holy Remains preserved Incorrupt 246
The Painters of Brescia at work around the Bier 247, 248
End of the Delay ; the Solemn Entombment 248
Tributes to the Saintly Dead 248
A Scoffer Rebuked and Converted 250
Changes made In Angela's Tomb 251
Its Appearance and that of the Saint's Body in 1867 252-254
CHAPTER XVII.
THE "ODOR OF SANCTITY" AND POPULAR VENERATION — MIRACULOUS FAVORS OBTAINED - DELAYS IN ANGELA'S BEATIFICATION AND CANONIZATION.
The Good or ill Odor diffused by every Christian's Life and Death 255
Flocks in Alpine Regions attracted to their Mountain Pasture by the Fragrance of Spring Flowers 255
The People of God drawn to the Shrines of his Saints by "the Sweet Odor" of Christlike Holiness 256, 257
The Popular Veneration toward Angela Merici 258-260
The Honors paid to her tacitly Sanctioned by the Holy See 261
This Cultus becomes Universal 262
First Judicial Proceedings toward Beatification 264
Delays in Rome caused by the Dissensions with Louis XIV 265
She is solemnly Beatified by Clement XIII 266
Translation of Blessed Angela's Remains 267
Appearance of the Body on this Occasion 267
Contrast between this Triumph of the Ursulines and the simultaneous Downfall of the Jesuits 269, 270
Proceedings for Blessed Angela's Canonization 270
She is solemnly Canonized 271
CHAPTER XVIII.
MIRACLES, AND VIRTUES AS MARVELOUS AS MIRACLES
Irresistible Authority of Miracles 273
The Miracle-working Power to abide in the Church 274
The Three Great Miracles wrought by St. Angela, and accepted by the Congregation of Rites 275-281
St. Angela's Heroic Virtues 282
Her Prudence 285
Her Temperance 291
Her Justice 291
Her Fortitude 291
Her Supernatural Faith, Hope and Charity 292-294
CHAPTER XIX.
ST. ANGELA'S CONSTITUTIONS.
They are her Principal Literary Production 295
They breathe the Apostolic Spirit which passed into the Constitutions of the various Ursuline Congregations 296
They deserve to be Preserved lovingly by Angela's Daughters. 296
Text of the Constitutions 297
CHAPTER XX.
THE URSULINES: THEIR VARIED FORTUNES IN ITALY — PRIMATIVE CONGREGATION OF BRESCIA — HOW THEY FARED IN MILAN — URSULINES OF VENICE, PARMA, FIACENZA, FOLIGNO, AND ROME.
Dangerous Controversy about the Dress of the Ursulines 337
The Ursulines in Desenzano and Salo. 339
" Cremona 341
" Milan 342
The Milanese Ursulines living in community and bound by vows. 344
The Ursulines In Venice 340
" Genoa 345
" Panna 346
" Pianceza and Foligno 347
The Roman Ursulines 347
The Uncloistered Ursalines of SS. Bofina and Seconda 348
The Cloistered Ursalines of the Via Vittoria, founded by the Duchess of Modena 348
Vicissitudes of The Roman Ursulines 351-358
Existing Monasteries of Calvi, Stroncone, Seeto-Calende, Cannobio,
Galliate, Omegna, Miaaino, and Saloszo 358
Fate of the Congregation of Breada before and since the French Revolution 354
Swept away by The First Napoleon 355
Only a Single Monastery of Cloistered Nuns since 1827 355
The Primitive Ursalines of Bresda retiring under Pius IX 357-350
CHAPTER XXI.
THE URSULINES IN FRANCE — CONGREGATIONS OF AIX, BORDEAUX, PARIS, LYONS, AND TOULOUSE.
Frances de Bermond, of Avignon, the Angela Merici of France 380
The First French Ursuline Establishment at L'Isle, near Avignon 362
Frances de Bermond and Cardinal de Sonrdis, of Bordeaux 368
The Cardinal visits Milan. 364
He Chooses Frances de Cazeres to Found the Ursulines of Bordeaux. 365
The Ursalines of Bordeaux become a Congregation of Cloistered Nuns 366
Their Apostolic labors Described by Pope Paul V 360
The Ursulines of Paris ; their beginnings 371
Blessed Mary of the locamation (Madame Acarie) and her cousin, Madame De Sainte Beuve 371, 373
The Parisian Ursulines become Cloistered 373, 374
Mother de Bermond Recalled from Paris to Aiz 374
She Founds the Monastery of Lyons 377
Her Establishments wonderfully Multiplied 378
The Lyonnese Congregation accept the Cloister 379
Death of Mother de Bermond 370
The Congregation of Toaloose 380
The "Ladies of Mercy of St. Ursula" 381
Extraordinary Fenror of the Toalouse Ursulines 381, 382
Other Congregations in France. 383
CHAPTER XXIII.
OFFSHOOTS OF THE FRENCH URSULINES THROUGHOUT THE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN EMPIRES, CANADA, THE UNITED STATES, IRELAND AND ENGLAND.
Marvelous Fecundity of the Congregations of Bordeaux and Paris. 384
Temporary Suppression of the Ursulines throughout Germany and the Low Countries by the French 384
"The May Laws" 385
Landshut and Breslau 385
The other Ursuline Schools of Austria-Hungary 385
The American Ursulines:
Quebec and Three Rivers 886
New Orleans 387-389
The First Ursulines in New York Unsuccessful 389
The Ursulines of East Morrisania 389
The Ursulines of Boston 390
The Tragic Story of the Charlestown Convent 391
Archbishop Purcell and the Ursulines of the Western States 398
Nano Nagle and the Irish Ursulines 898
The Monastery of Black Rock and The Ursulines of South Carolina 394
The Monastery School of Valle-Crucis, near Columbia, cruelly Destroyed by Sherman's Army 395
The Ursulines In England : The Monastery of Upton, a Colony from Sittard in Limburg 395
The Abbe Lambert and the "Independent Ursulines" of Belgium. 396
The Conditions under which Religious Communities can prosper among Modem Peoples 396
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